“Ilya Muromets / The Sword and the Dragon” (豪勇イリヤ 巨竜と魔王征服), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1959, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) — T19
An original Japanese B2 theatrical poster from the 1959 first-release campaign for Aleksandr Ptushko’s spectacular Soviet fantasy Ilya Muromets, also known as The Sword and the Dragon. Distributed in Japan by Shintoho, this colourful design brings together a fire-breathing dragon, mounted warriors, fantastical characters and enormous red lettering.
Produced in 1956, the film stars Boris Andreyev as the legendary warrior Ilya Muromets and draws on Russian heroic folklore. Its story combines battles, supernatural adversaries and a confrontation with a three-headed dragon. The Japanese release followed on 27 March 1959, under the title 豪勇イリヤ 巨竜と魔王征服.
The poster makes the monster spectacle its centrepiece: a huge green dragon stretches across the upper portion, breathing orange flame towards the towering Japanese title. Below, an armoured horseman, an elaborately helmeted ruler and a richly costumed woman form a dense montage above scenes of massed troops. Bright yellow promotional lettering runs down the left edge, balancing the bold red-and-white title on the right.
The printed 「総天然色」 and 「ソ連スコープ」 banners promote the colour and widescreen presentation. 「日本語解説版」 identifies the Japanese narrated version, while 「新東宝配給」 credits Shintoho as distributor. These details give the sheet a distinctive place in the Japanese presentation of Soviet fantasy cinema.
A striking piece for collectors of classic fantasy, screen monsters, Soviet cinema and Japanese poster design, with strong colours and an unusually dramatic composition.
Very Good vintage condition for its age. The sheet shows horizontal and vertical folds, creasing, surface wear and age toning. There are several minor edge tears and small nicks, particularly along the left edge and where folds meet the right edge. The principal imagery remains clear and vivid, and the poster should display very well once framed.
Please review all photographs, including the close-ups and reverse, as they show the exact poster offered.
Format: Japanese B2, approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Stock code: T19.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
